The appearance of psoriasis on the legs causes discomfort to the patient, the quality of life decreases, and the emotional background worsens. The presence of lesions prone to dryness and the appearance of deep cracks hinders movement and brings pain. To start pathogenetic therapy, it is recommended to know what psoriasis looks like on the legs in order to distinguish it from other skin diseases.
Causes of psoriasis on the legs
Psoriasis is a non-infectious disease with lesions of the skin and the appearance of bright pink rashes. The elements of the rash are most often represented by separate rashes – papules, which can sometimes merge and form plaques. Statistically, psoriasis accounts for 2% of all skin diseases. Most often localized on the lower and upper limbs.
The exact cause of the development of the disease is difficult to trace, experts identify a number of etiological factors that become a trigger:
Often there is a combination of several causes, which complicates the diagnosis and prescription of etiotropic treatment for targeted action on the trigger.
To get an idea of what psoriasis looks like on the legs, you can look at photos of rashes on medical sites. Detailed photos of psoriasis on the feet and will allow you to consider the shape, type and structural features of the psoriatic plaque.
The initial stage of psoriasis on the legs
From the photo you can see that the initial stage of psoriasis on the legs is similar to many dermatopathies , so it is sometimes mistaken for another disease and treated at home. The rash is represented by pale pink papules, on the surface of which there are white scales. Subjective sensations in the form of itching are uncharacteristic of psoriasis; pain can be noted in the presence of cracks.
To conduct a differential diagnosis of psoriasis from other dermatoses, specific symptoms are checked:
In the progressive phase, the rash intensifies, becomes intensely pink, combines into plaques, and is partially covered with white scales with a silvery sheen. As the disease progresses, the area of the lesion grows and is completely covered with scales. Itching and burning are noted in places of close contact with clothing, cracks occur due to dryness of the epidermis.
In infants and when the rash is located in large folds of the skin ( intertriginous form of psoriasis), the symptom complex is difficult to perform due to the rapid desquamation of the scales.
Symptoms of psoriasis on the legs
The peculiarity of the clinical picture of psoriasis on the lower extremities depends on the location and form of the disease.
Vulgar or ordinary psoriasis is more often located in places of close contact with clothing and frequent friction: feet, extensor surface of the knees, lower legs. The rashes are round or irregular in shape, prone to rapid fusion and plaque formation. Abundantly covered with white, silvery and gray scales, which are easily peeled off by rubbing and scraping. There is local hyperthermia, infiltration, itching and burning.
Inverse psoriasis affects the flexion surfaces of the skin and areas of large folds: axillary, inguinal and intergluteal folds , elbow and popliteal folds. A complex form of the disease, similar to various types of dermatitis and allergies. Rashes are rounded, bright pink in color, a scarlet tint is possible, not covered with scales due to high humidity and active work of the sweat glands. Possible moderate itching, burning, pain. pain syndrome, severe itching and burning.
The exudative form can be located on the entire surface of the legs. On the skin, the presence of large, inflamed and weeping bright red plaques is noted. This form of psoriasis is characterized by the presence of dense scales-crusts of a yellowish-gray color on the surface of the rash.
The teardrop form of psoriasis is manifested by multiple small reddish papules covered with silvery-white scales. With this form of psoriasis, the fusion of individual elements into plaques is rarely noted.
Psoriatic erythroderma is the most severe form, manifested by redness and infiltration of the entire human skin. There may be pronounced large-lamellar peeling. This form of psoriasis is characterized by a violation of the general condition of the patient – there is an increase in temperature, a violation of general well-being.
Psoriasis on the feet
Psoriasis on the feet brings significant psychological discomfort and limits daily activities due to the presence of painful sensations. If psoriatic plaques are located on the back and plantar part of the foot, stiffness of movement occurs, it is difficult to find a pair of shoes.
Psoriasis on the feet is most often localized in areas of increased pressure on the skin. In these places, typical psoriatic rashes are formed, represented by infiltrated plaques of bright red color. On the surface of the plaques, there may be pronounced peeling, deep cracks.
Treatment of psoriasis on the legs
Before deciding how to treat psoriasis on the legs, it is important to exclude other skin diseases, such as a fungal infection. For this purpose, skin scrapings are most often taken for laboratory testing.
Treatment of psoriasis on the legs involves the use of drugs for external and internal use, physiotherapy, personal hygiene, diet, sleep and rest.
In severe cases of psoriasis on the legs, systemic anti-inflammatory ( immunosuppressive and cytostatic) drugs or drugs that affect the rate of cell division (synthetic retinoids ) are used. Additionally or in milder cases, vitamin therapy, hepatoprotectors may be prescribed.
External treatment for psoriasis on the legs includes the use of drugs (hormonal preparations are most often used in combination with salicylic acid or an analogue of vitamin D) and care products based on salicylic acid, urea, tar, naftalan oil.
Losterin in the treatment of psoriasis on the legs
The line of non-hormonal products Losterin is specially designed for the complex therapy of chronic skin diseases and the care of damaged skin. Preparations are suitable for daily long-term use. Active ingredients: naftalan deresined , carbamide (urea), salicylic acid, D- panthenol , Japanese Sophora extract and almond oil do not cause addiction and “withdrawal syndrome”.
Carefully selected ingredients act directly on the lesions, reducing inflammation and itching. For the purpose of complex treatment and preventive measures for exacerbation of psoriasis on the legs and feet, the following are used: foot cream, thick emulsion and Losterin shower gel . The funds can be used during remission and as part of combination therapy.
Treatment can be supplemented with physiotherapy. The greatest therapeutic effect is observed from phototherapy (PUVA therapy. UVB-311 nm ). This method significantly reduces inflammation within the focus, reduces the need for drugs and prevents the recurrence of the disease.
Sanatorium-resort treatment with hydrogen sulfide and sulfur sources in the period of regression and stationary form. The selection of an effective remedy for psoriasis on the legs is carried out by the attending specialist, it is important to have a complex effect on the body.
Prevention of psoriasis on the legs
Preventive measures include taking measures to prevent the recurrence of the disease:
- Wearing clothes made of natural light material. Underwear should be in size, without squeezing elastic bands.
- Selection of shoes strictly according to size. Wearing orthopedic insoles.
- Keep the affected areas clean and dry, air baths should be carried out.
- After bathing , pat your skin dry with a clean, soft towel.
- Trim nails regularly and inspect daily.
- Treatment of feet with an antiseptic: solution of Furacilin, Chlorhexidine.
- The use of moisturizers and wound healing agents.
- Avoid stressful situations.
- Weight normalization.
- Follow proper nutrition and daily routine. Rejection of bad habits.